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Friday, December 16, 2016

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill ARC Review

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pub. Date: December 27th, 2016
Buy it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.



Ever the Hunted is a charming and adventurous story with a sweet romance. Erin's writing is truly enchanting. She cast me under her spell of her beautiful, sweeping imagery and lively dialogue. I was so incredibly happy while reading that my cheeks hurt from smiling.


Although plot-wise, there isn't a ton of action and it's sometimes predictable, Ever the Hunted is wonderfully executed, especially given the fact that in my opinion, it's really more of a character-driven book. Britta and Cohen's relationship—although complicated—is undeniably the core of the story. It also doesn't hurt that I happen to adore both characters. Ever the Hunted is a story that's laced with sorrow and betrayal, all of which is fantastically balanced out with an adorable romance and a rich setting. And that ending?! My god, I cannot wait to see what Erin has in store for us in the sequel!

1) Erin's writing style hooked me instantly. Her prose is whimsical and beautiful, the voices of her characters are incredibly distinct, and the dialogue is witty and beguiling. Her words truly inspired me and made me want to work harder on my own storytelling and dialogue.

2) Britta is awesome. This is a girl that the world has turned its back on, but she's a fighter. Literally every aspect of her life is the worst case scenario. Everything she loves is taken from her, but she still goes on, keeps pushing, and doesn't quit, no matter how bleak and impossible a situation seems to be—and I greatly admire that about her.


3) The world-building is wonderful and enchanting! The setting is so dazzling and picturesque—every visceral description feels tangible and real. How I wish I could jump into this book and see it for myself.

There is actually a scene in this gorgeously magical-sounding forest that seems like something out of a Studio Ghibli film! (UM? YES PLS.)

4) Britta and Cohen are SO. Freaking. Adorable. There were some times where I really wanted to bang their heads together, and other times where I just wanted to squish them and pinch their cheeks. Their chemistry gave me goosebumps and their banter made me laugh—repeatedly. What's especially incredible about these two is that you only get Britta's POV, but I still feel like I know both of them really well, and I am beyond words invested in their relationship!


1) I found certain aspects of the plot to be a little predictable. I knew who the villain relatively quickly, though the rest of the positive aspects of the book made up for this. Though I do wonder if the villain was deliberately predictable in order to draw the reader's attention away from other things? I guess we'll find out in book two! ^_^






24 comments:

  1. Eeeep! I adored this book. I honestly don't know why I pushed it off for so long. I've seen comparisons to Kristin Cashore's books and while I don't necessarily agree (I'll love those books for forever and ever and nothing can touch them!), I definitely see where the basis for the comparisons. The romance especially was wonderful! I'm a teensy bit worried about book two, because of the end of book one, but I guess we'll see how it goes... I'm all about duologies. :D

    Anyway! So glad you enjoyed this book, Brittany! Wonderful review. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. I haven't read any of Kristin Cashore's books so I'll have to take your word on it. I'm also a little worried about the romance because of how this book ended but I guess we'll have to see haha.

      Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by! I hope you have a great weekend as well ^_^

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  2. I'm so glad to see you enjoyed this book! :) I've seen mainly positive things about this book, and your review seems pretty spot on to what I've been imagining. I think I can handle a little predictability and such for a great books like this! Great review!

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    1. I have only seen one negative review but me and that reviewer majority of the time never agree on the books haha. I really hope you enjoy this one. Like you, I can live with a predictable plot as long as the characters and the execution are great.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I just started reading this the other day...I think about 50 or so pages in and I just find myself so bored...I feel like the black sheep on this one (as usual with hyped up books, haha). I'm going to keep reading, but it just isn't grabbing me like it seems to be with everyone else. I'm really glad that you enjoyed it, though!

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    1. I know a few people who felt the same as you when it came to this book. If you're not enjoying it, you should move on! Why waste time on something you're not loving? Life is too short.

      Thanks for stopping by ^_^

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  4. I'm adding this to my wishlist Britt. Your enthusiasm is infection and I'm especially interested in the lovely dialogue you keep going on about. Also a Studio Ghibli like forest? Quadruple yes! Happy Holidays.

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    1. Aw thanks! I hope you love it ^_^ Happy Holidays to you too!

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  5. So glad you loved this! I'm dying to read it, it looks amazing! Those quotes are beautiful, too :)
    Lovely review!

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    1. Thank you! It was really easy to pick out quotes from this one ^_^ I hope you add this book to your TBR.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. So much love for this book around! Britta definitely is a character to remember isn't she?

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    1. Yes, she definitely is! I take it you must have read it, right? I hope you loved it =)

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  7. So glad you love this book!!I'm really looking forward to reading it and the mixed reviews confused me! Great review ^^

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    1. There are a lot of mixed feelings about this book but I think that's because it's a specific type of read that's mostly character driven. I hope that you love it though!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. I am really looking forward to this one so I'm glad to hear it delivered. Great review!

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    1. Thank you! I hope it exceeds your expectations. Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Great review! This is another book I'm suepr excited for so I'm happy you enjoyed it so much! I love a good romance so I'm happy to hear this has such an adorable romance in it :)

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    1. If you love a good romance I think you'll definitely enjoy this one ^_^ Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. I love this cover art so much! I am doing a challenge where I have to read a book that is set in a forest. This is a perfect candidate. :)

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  11. Ohh, lovely review Brittany :D I'm glad you enjoyed this one. <3 And that the romance was sweet :D Yay. I'm unsure about this book, but sort of curious about it too :)

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  12. I started reading this book a few days ago but haven't finished it since I'm so busy with schoolwork that I need to find an Academic Writing Services In Pakistan-based company to help me finish it. I'm hoping to go back to reading as soon as possible.

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